Welsh calls for border restrictions with England ignored by arrogant and intransigent UK government

There is understandable consternation in Wales about the British government's refusal to implement travel restrictions into Wales by those in high infection areas of England. The First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford has said that he feels “great dismay” after his calls for such travel restrictions were once again ignored. At a press conference today, Welsh Health Minister Vaughan Gething claimed there had been “an importation of coronavirus cases from contact with some of those high prevalence areas in England”. He went on to say “we will meet later today and we will then make choices given that there doesn’t appear to be a resolution of this with England over those areas.” The Welsh Government are due to meet later to discuss what action to take in the face of the UK government's intransigence. It is clear that control of borders is a very important part of the fight to contain the virus as can be seen by the example of the measures undertaken in the Isle of Man. The issue will give further impetus to those calling for Welsh independence. 

Meanwhile the Manx government continues to have strict travel restrictions for entry to the Isle of Man (Manx: Mannin). With cases of Covid-19 growing in England and some other parts of Britain as well as Ireland, access to the Isle of Man remains tightly restricted for non-residents. There are a small number of categories that allow for entry to the island, but only where an individual has been provided with an Exemption Certificate. This is a limited group of people who are necessary to the Island’s critical national infrastructure or for the preservation of human life. As a non-resident, it is not possible to enter the island without an Exemption Certificate. This is a legal requirement, and failure to comply is a criminal offence.

It is also a legal requirement for those with an Exemption Certificate to undertake 14 days of mandatory self-isolation and a person must not leave their accommodation during this period. Manx residents can travel from the Island if they are prepared to register and self-isolate for 14 days if they return. Following registration, Island residents wishing to return must complete a Landing Form within 48-hours prior to arrival back to the Island. The Landing Form will request arrival details including the address at which they will be isolating on their return, as well as a contact number, and a health declaration.  

The restrictions on the Manx borders have been seen as a vital  factor in preventing further spread of the virus on the Island. Manx Chief Minister, Howard Quayle has said the border remained an "integral part of our defences" against the disease. With the concerns about the rise of coronavirus cases in the neighbouring islands there has been some discussion about the possibility of further restrictions on return travel to the Island from elsewhere. Any legal requirement for social distancing in the Isle of Man was removed on 15 June. Businesses on the Island are no longer legally required to take steps in relation to social distancing, such as encouraging employees to work from home, or limiting the number of customers in shops and pubs and restaurants.